The California Supreme Court recently addressed whether insurance claims adjusters qualify for the administrative exemption under California law. (Harris v. Superior Court (Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.).) The Court’s decision in late December 2011, focused on the issue of the “administrative/production worker dichotomy.” Here the Court was looking at whether employees who fall on the “production” side can ever qualify for the administrative exemption.
Continue Reading Misclassfied As A Matter of Law?: Not So Fast Say the Supremes!

By:     Chelcey E. Lieber

Including arbitration provisions in employment agreements or employee handbooks is not a guaranteed way to avoid the courtroom. On January 3, 2012, the California Court of Appeal upheld a decision from the Sacramento County Superior Court holding that an arbitration provision contained in a pre-employment agreement was unconscionable, and, therefore, unenforceable.Continue Reading California Pre-Employment Arbitration Agreement Ruled Unconscionable

By:       Scott M. Plamondon

UPDATED 12/21/2011: Based on the date on which the case was submitted at oral argument, the California Supreme Court was required to render a decision in this matter on or before February 6, 2012. On December 2, 2011, however, the Supreme Court agreed to accept additional briefing regarding whether its decision will be applied retroactively. The additional briefing likely will cause the Court’s decision to be delayed. Based on the current briefing schedule it appears that we could be waiting for a decision until April 2012.

Original Post:  

On November 8, 2011, the California Supreme Court heard oral argument in Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court of San Diego County (“Brinker”). As you probably know, the Brinker case has been pending before the California Supreme Court since October 22, 2008. Now, by hearing oral argument on this case, the California Supreme Court has effectively signaled that it will publish a decision within the next 90 days.Continue Reading UPDATED! Brinker: The Wait Is Almost Over